Survey yearVery importantSomewhat importantNot too importantNot at all importantDon't knowSample size
201417%27%27%28%1%4,984
200719%29%24%26%2%3,707
Sample sizes and margins of error vary from subgroup to subgroup, from year to year and from state to state. You can see the sample size for the estimates in this chart on rollover or in the last column of the table. And visit this table to see approximate margins of error for a group of a given size. Readers should always bear in mind the approximate margin of error for the group they are examining when making comparisons with other groups or assessing the significance of trends over time. For full question wording, see the survey questionnaire.

Learn More: Very important, Somewhat important, Not too important, Not at all important

DemographicInformation

Age distribution among nothing in particulars by importance of religion

% of nothing in particulars who are ages…

Importance of religion in one's life18-2930-4950-6465+Sample size
Very important25%40%25%10%731
Somewhat important34%37%22%7%1,247
Not too important37%38%18%7%1,331
Not at all important32%36%20%12%1,539
Sample sizes and margins of error vary from subgroup to subgroup, from year to year and from state to state. You can see the sample size for the estimates in this chart on rollover or in the last column of the table. And visit this table to see approximate margins of error for a group of a given size. Readers should always bear in mind the approximate margin of error for the group they are examining when making comparisons with other groups or assessing the significance of trends over time. For full question wording, see the survey questionnaire.

Generational cohort among nothing in particulars by importance of religion

% of nothing in particulars who are…

Importance of religion in one's lifeYounger MillennialOlder MillennialGeneration XBaby BoomerSilentGreatestSample size
Very important13%20%32%28%6%< 1%731
Somewhat important20%23%29%24%4%< 1%1,247
Not too important24%22%29%21%4%< 1%1,331
Not at all important20%20%27%25%7%1%1,539
Sample sizes and margins of error vary from subgroup to subgroup, from year to year and from state to state. You can see the sample size for the estimates in this chart on rollover or in the last column of the table. And visit this table to see approximate margins of error for a group of a given size. Readers should always bear in mind the approximate margin of error for the group they are examining when making comparisons with other groups or assessing the significance of trends over time. For full question wording, see the survey questionnaire.

Gender composition among nothing in particulars by importance of religion

% of nothing in particulars who are…

Importance of religion in one's lifeMenWomenSample size
Very important50%50%753
Somewhat important52%48%1,262
Not too important50%50%1,354
Not at all important60%40%1,557
Sample sizes and margins of error vary from subgroup to subgroup, from year to year and from state to state. You can see the sample size for the estimates in this chart on rollover or in the last column of the table. And visit this table to see approximate margins of error for a group of a given size. Readers should always bear in mind the approximate margin of error for the group they are examining when making comparisons with other groups or assessing the significance of trends over time. For full question wording, see the survey questionnaire.

Racial and ethnic composition among nothing in particulars by importance of religion

% of nothing in particulars who identify as…

Importance of religion in one's lifeWhiteBlackAsianLatinoOther/MixedSample size
Very important42%25%3%24%5%732
Somewhat important61%13%4%15%7%1,234
Not too important71%7%7%11%4%1,342
Not at all important73%7%5%12%4%1,526
Sample sizes and margins of error vary from subgroup to subgroup, from year to year and from state to state. You can see the sample size for the estimates in this chart on rollover or in the last column of the table. And visit this table to see approximate margins of error for a group of a given size. Readers should always bear in mind the approximate margin of error for the group they are examining when making comparisons with other groups or assessing the significance of trends over time. For full question wording, see the survey questionnaire.

Immigrant status among nothing in particulars by importance of religion

% of nothing in particulars who are…

Importance of religion in one's lifeImmigrantsSecond generationThird generation or higherSample size
Very important21%7%73%732
Somewhat important13%11%76%1,237
Not too important13%12%75%1,329
Not at all important13%13%74%1,530
Sample sizes and margins of error vary from subgroup to subgroup, from year to year and from state to state. You can see the sample size for the estimates in this chart on rollover or in the last column of the table. And visit this table to see approximate margins of error for a group of a given size. Readers should always bear in mind the approximate margin of error for the group they are examining when making comparisons with other groups or assessing the significance of trends over time. For full question wording, see the survey questionnaire.

Income distribution among nothing in particulars by importance of religion

% of nothing in particulars who have a household income of…

Importance of religion in one's lifeLess than $30,000$30,000-$49,999$50,000-$99,999$100,000 or moreSample size
Very important55%21%14%10%638
Somewhat important42%21%24%13%1,127
Not too important31%22%28%19%1,217
Not at all important29%21%26%23%1,390
Sample sizes and margins of error vary from subgroup to subgroup, from year to year and from state to state. You can see the sample size for the estimates in this chart on rollover or in the last column of the table. And visit this table to see approximate margins of error for a group of a given size. Readers should always bear in mind the approximate margin of error for the group they are examining when making comparisons with other groups or assessing the significance of trends over time. For full question wording, see the survey questionnaire.

Educational distribution among nothing in particulars by importance of religion

% of nothing in particulars who have completed…

Importance of religion in one's lifeHigh school or lessSome collegeCollegePost-graduate degreeSample size
Very important61%28%9%3%749
Somewhat important51%30%13%7%1,258
Not too important35%36%18%10%1,349
Not at all important39%31%17%14%1,551
Sample sizes and margins of error vary from subgroup to subgroup, from year to year and from state to state. You can see the sample size for the estimates in this chart on rollover or in the last column of the table. And visit this table to see approximate margins of error for a group of a given size. Readers should always bear in mind the approximate margin of error for the group they are examining when making comparisons with other groups or assessing the significance of trends over time. For full question wording, see the survey questionnaire.

Marital status among nothing in particulars by importance of religion

% of nothing in particulars who are…

Importance of religion in one's lifeMarriedLiving with a partnerDivorced/separatedWidowedNever marriedSample size
Very important38%9%16%5%32%746
Somewhat important36%15%12%4%33%1,257
Not too important40%11%10%2%38%1,348
Not at all important39%10%11%3%37%1,552
Sample sizes and margins of error vary from subgroup to subgroup, from year to year and from state to state. You can see the sample size for the estimates in this chart on rollover or in the last column of the table. And visit this table to see approximate margins of error for a group of a given size. Readers should always bear in mind the approximate margin of error for the group they are examining when making comparisons with other groups or assessing the significance of trends over time. For full question wording, see the survey questionnaire.

Parent of children under 18 among nothing in particulars by importance of religion

% of nothing in particulars who are…

Importance of religion in one's lifeParentsNon-parentsSample size
Very important35%65%752
Somewhat important30%70%1,257
Not too important28%72%1,349
Not at all important23%77%1,549
Sample sizes and margins of error vary from subgroup to subgroup, from year to year and from state to state. You can see the sample size for the estimates in this chart on rollover or in the last column of the table. And visit this table to see approximate margins of error for a group of a given size. Readers should always bear in mind the approximate margin of error for the group they are examining when making comparisons with other groups or assessing the significance of trends over time. For full question wording, see the survey questionnaire.

BeliefsandPractices

Belief in God among nothing in particulars by importance of religion

% of nothing in particulars who say they…

Importance of religion in one's lifeBelieve in God; absolutely certainBelieve in God; fairly certainBelieve in God; not too/not at all certainBelieve in God; don't knowDo not believe in GodOther/don't know if they believe in GodSample size
Very important79%14%4%< 1%2%1%753
Somewhat important46%37%9%1%4%3%1,262
Not too important18%34%19%< 1%21%7%1,354
Not at all important18%16%13%1%46%7%1,557
Sample sizes and margins of error vary from subgroup to subgroup, from year to year and from state to state. You can see the sample size for the estimates in this chart on rollover or in the last column of the table. And visit this table to see approximate margins of error for a group of a given size. Readers should always bear in mind the approximate margin of error for the group they are examining when making comparisons with other groups or assessing the significance of trends over time. For full question wording, see the survey questionnaire.

Attendance at religious services among nothing in particulars by importance of religion

% of nothing in particulars who attend religious services…

Importance of religion in one's lifeAt least once a weekOnce or twice a month/a few times a yearSeldom/neverDon't knowSample size
Very important23%38%39%1%753
Somewhat important3%41%55%< 1%1,262
Not too important1%28%71%< 1%1,354
Not at all important1%9%90%< 1%1,557
Sample sizes and margins of error vary from subgroup to subgroup, from year to year and from state to state. You can see the sample size for the estimates in this chart on rollover or in the last column of the table. And visit this table to see approximate margins of error for a group of a given size. Readers should always bear in mind the approximate margin of error for the group they are examining when making comparisons with other groups or assessing the significance of trends over time. For full question wording, see the survey questionnaire.

Frequency of prayer among nothing in particulars by importance of religion

% of nothing in particulars who pray…

Importance of religion in one's lifeAt least dailyWeeklyMonthlySeldom/neverDon't knowSample size
Very important68%16%4%11%1%753
Somewhat important31%24%13%32%1%1,262
Not too important12%12%9%67%< 1%1,354
Not at all important9%6%5%80%1%1,557
Sample sizes and margins of error vary from subgroup to subgroup, from year to year and from state to state. You can see the sample size for the estimates in this chart on rollover or in the last column of the table. And visit this table to see approximate margins of error for a group of a given size. Readers should always bear in mind the approximate margin of error for the group they are examining when making comparisons with other groups or assessing the significance of trends over time. For full question wording, see the survey questionnaire.

Frequency of participation in prayer, scripture study or religious education groups among nothing in particulars by importance of religion

% of nothing in particulars who attend prayer group…

Importance of religion in one's lifeAt least once a weekOnce or twice a monthSeveral times a yearSeldom/neverDon't knowSample size
Very important25%10%8%56%< 1%753
Somewhat important4%6%6%84%< 1%1,262
Not too important1%2%4%94%< 1%1,354
Not at all important2%< 1%1%96%< 1%1,557
Sample sizes and margins of error vary from subgroup to subgroup, from year to year and from state to state. You can see the sample size for the estimates in this chart on rollover or in the last column of the table. And visit this table to see approximate margins of error for a group of a given size. Readers should always bear in mind the approximate margin of error for the group they are examining when making comparisons with other groups or assessing the significance of trends over time. For full question wording, see the survey questionnaire.

Frequency of meditation among nothing in particulars by importance of religion

% of nothing in particulars who meditate…

Importance of religion in one's lifeAt least once a weekOnce or twice a monthSeveral times a yearSeldom/neverDon't knowSample size
Very important46%9%3%41%2%753
Somewhat important27%9%5%57%1%1,262
Not too important20%11%5%63%1%1,354
Not at all important24%9%4%62%1%1,557
Sample sizes and margins of error vary from subgroup to subgroup, from year to year and from state to state. You can see the sample size for the estimates in this chart on rollover or in the last column of the table. And visit this table to see approximate margins of error for a group of a given size. Readers should always bear in mind the approximate margin of error for the group they are examining when making comparisons with other groups or assessing the significance of trends over time. For full question wording, see the survey questionnaire.

Frequency of feeling spiritual peace and wellbeing among nothing in particulars by importance of religion

% of nothing in particulars who feel a sense of spiritual peace and wellbeing…

Importance of religion in one's lifeAt least once a weekOnce or twice a monthSeveral times a yearSeldom/neverDon't knowSample size
Very important63%12%8%14%3%753
Somewhat important42%18%12%27%1%1,262
Not too important32%17%14%36%1%1,354
Not at all important38%14%9%37%3%1,557
Sample sizes and margins of error vary from subgroup to subgroup, from year to year and from state to state. You can see the sample size for the estimates in this chart on rollover or in the last column of the table. And visit this table to see approximate margins of error for a group of a given size. Readers should always bear in mind the approximate margin of error for the group they are examining when making comparisons with other groups or assessing the significance of trends over time. For full question wording, see the survey questionnaire.

Frequency of feeling wonder about the universe among nothing in particulars by importance of religion

% of nothing in particulars who feel a sense of wonder about the universe…

Importance of religion in one's lifeAt least once a weekOnce or twice a monthSeveral times a yearSeldom/neverDon't knowSample size
Very important51%13%7%28%1%753
Somewhat important41%16%13%29%1%1,262
Not too important41%17%15%28%< 1%1,354
Not at all important42%14%12%30%1%1,557
Sample sizes and margins of error vary from subgroup to subgroup, from year to year and from state to state. You can see the sample size for the estimates in this chart on rollover or in the last column of the table. And visit this table to see approximate margins of error for a group of a given size. Readers should always bear in mind the approximate margin of error for the group they are examining when making comparisons with other groups or assessing the significance of trends over time. For full question wording, see the survey questionnaire.

Sources of guidance on right and wrong among nothing in particulars by importance of religion

% of nothing in particulars who say they look to…most for guidance on right and wrong

Importance of religion in one's lifeReligionPhilosophy/reasonCommon senseScienceDon't knowSample size
Very important33%12%45%6%4%753
Somewhat important9%14%63%11%2%1,262
Not too important3%17%65%14%1%1,354
Not at all important2%16%62%18%2%1,557
Sample sizes and margins of error vary from subgroup to subgroup, from year to year and from state to state. You can see the sample size for the estimates in this chart on rollover or in the last column of the table. And visit this table to see approximate margins of error for a group of a given size. Readers should always bear in mind the approximate margin of error for the group they are examining when making comparisons with other groups or assessing the significance of trends over time. For full question wording, see the survey questionnaire.

Belief in absolute standards for right and wrong among nothing in particulars by importance of religion

% of nothing in particulars who say…

Importance of religion in one's lifeThere are clear standards for what is right and wrongRight or wrong depends on the situationNeither/both equallyDon't knowSample size
Very important28%65%3%3%753
Somewhat important25%74%1%1%1,262
Not too important20%79%1%1%1,354
Not at all important19%79%1%1%1,557
Sample sizes and margins of error vary from subgroup to subgroup, from year to year and from state to state. You can see the sample size for the estimates in this chart on rollover or in the last column of the table. And visit this table to see approximate margins of error for a group of a given size. Readers should always bear in mind the approximate margin of error for the group they are examining when making comparisons with other groups or assessing the significance of trends over time. For full question wording, see the survey questionnaire.

Frequency of reading scripture among nothing in particulars by importance of religion

% of nothing in particulars who read scripture…

Importance of religion in one's lifeAt least once a weekOnce or twice a monthSeveral times a yearSeldom/neverDon't knowSample size
Very important42%14%8%36%1%753
Somewhat important9%9%8%72%1%1,262
Not too important4%4%5%87%< 1%1,354
Not at all important4%2%3%90%< 1%1,557
Sample sizes and margins of error vary from subgroup to subgroup, from year to year and from state to state. You can see the sample size for the estimates in this chart on rollover or in the last column of the table. And visit this table to see approximate margins of error for a group of a given size. Readers should always bear in mind the approximate margin of error for the group they are examining when making comparisons with other groups or assessing the significance of trends over time. For full question wording, see the survey questionnaire.

Interpreting scripture among nothing in particulars by importance of religion

% of nothing in particulars who say the holy scripture is…

Importance of religion in one's lifeWord of God; should be taken literallyWord of God; not everything taken literallyWord of God; other/don't knowNot the word of GodOther/don't knowSample size
Very important40%25%3%22%10%753
Somewhat important15%23%1%51%10%1,262
Not too important5%12%< 1%74%8%1,354
Not at all important3%5%< 1%86%6%1,557
Sample sizes and margins of error vary from subgroup to subgroup, from year to year and from state to state. You can see the sample size for the estimates in this chart on rollover or in the last column of the table. And visit this table to see approximate margins of error for a group of a given size. Readers should always bear in mind the approximate margin of error for the group they are examining when making comparisons with other groups or assessing the significance of trends over time. For full question wording, see the survey questionnaire.

Belief in Heaven among nothing in particulars by importance of religion

% of nothing in particulars who …in heaven

Importance of religion in one's lifeBelieveDon't believeOther/don't knowSample size
Very important80%13%7%753
Somewhat important67%23%10%1,262
Not too important41%47%12%1,354
Not at all important22%68%10%1,557
Sample sizes and margins of error vary from subgroup to subgroup, from year to year and from state to state. You can see the sample size for the estimates in this chart on rollover or in the last column of the table. And visit this table to see approximate margins of error for a group of a given size. Readers should always bear in mind the approximate margin of error for the group they are examining when making comparisons with other groups or assessing the significance of trends over time. For full question wording, see the survey questionnaire.

Belief in Hell among nothing in particulars by importance of religion

% of nothing in particulars who …in hell

Importance of religion in one's lifeBelieveDon't believeOther/don't knowSample size
Very important63%29%8%753
Somewhat important50%41%9%1,262
Not too important28%62%10%1,354
Not at all important15%76%9%1,557
Sample sizes and margins of error vary from subgroup to subgroup, from year to year and from state to state. You can see the sample size for the estimates in this chart on rollover or in the last column of the table. And visit this table to see approximate margins of error for a group of a given size. Readers should always bear in mind the approximate margin of error for the group they are examining when making comparisons with other groups or assessing the significance of trends over time. For full question wording, see the survey questionnaire.

SocialandPoliticalViews

Party affiliation among nothing in particulars by importance of religion

% of nothing in particulars who identify as…

Importance of religion in one's lifeRepublican/lean Rep.No leanDemocrat/lean Dem.Sample size
Very important24%29%46%753
Somewhat important29%27%45%1,262
Not too important28%22%50%1,354
Not at all important21%25%54%1,557
Sample sizes and margins of error vary from subgroup to subgroup, from year to year and from state to state. You can see the sample size for the estimates in this chart on rollover or in the last column of the table. And visit this table to see approximate margins of error for a group of a given size. Readers should always bear in mind the approximate margin of error for the group they are examining when making comparisons with other groups or assessing the significance of trends over time. For full question wording, see the survey questionnaire.

Political ideology among nothing in particulars by importance of religion

% of nothing in particulars who are…

Importance of religion in one's lifeConservativeModerateLiberalDon't knowSample size
Very important32%29%27%12%753
Somewhat important23%41%28%9%1,262
Not too important19%39%35%8%1,354
Not at all important16%34%41%10%1,557
Sample sizes and margins of error vary from subgroup to subgroup, from year to year and from state to state. You can see the sample size for the estimates in this chart on rollover or in the last column of the table. And visit this table to see approximate margins of error for a group of a given size. Readers should always bear in mind the approximate margin of error for the group they are examining when making comparisons with other groups or assessing the significance of trends over time. For full question wording, see the survey questionnaire.

Views about size of government among nothing in particulars by importance of religion

% of nothing in particulars who would rather have…

Importance of religion in one's lifeSmaller government; fewer servicesBigger government; more servicesDependsDon't knowSample size
Very important39%53%3%4%753
Somewhat important49%46%2%3%1,262
Not too important50%43%3%4%1,354
Not at all important48%45%4%4%1,557
Sample sizes and margins of error vary from subgroup to subgroup, from year to year and from state to state. You can see the sample size for the estimates in this chart on rollover or in the last column of the table. And visit this table to see approximate margins of error for a group of a given size. Readers should always bear in mind the approximate margin of error for the group they are examining when making comparisons with other groups or assessing the significance of trends over time. For full question wording, see the survey questionnaire.

Views about government aid to the poor among nothing in particulars by importance of religion

% of nothing in particulars who say government aid to the poor…

Importance of religion in one's lifeDoes more harm than goodDoes more good than harmNeither/both equallyDon't knowSample size
Very important38%54%4%3%753
Somewhat important44%50%4%2%1,262
Not too important40%55%4%1%1,354
Not at all important39%56%4%2%1,557
Sample sizes and margins of error vary from subgroup to subgroup, from year to year and from state to state. You can see the sample size for the estimates in this chart on rollover or in the last column of the table. And visit this table to see approximate margins of error for a group of a given size. Readers should always bear in mind the approximate margin of error for the group they are examining when making comparisons with other groups or assessing the significance of trends over time. For full question wording, see the survey questionnaire.

Views about abortion among nothing in particulars by importance of religion

% of nothing in particulars who say abortion should be…

Importance of religion in one's lifeLegal in all/most casesIllegal in all/most casesDon't knowSample size
Very important42%50%8%753
Somewhat important64%32%4%1,262
Not too important75%22%4%1,354
Not at all important78%18%4%1,557
Sample sizes and margins of error vary from subgroup to subgroup, from year to year and from state to state. You can see the sample size for the estimates in this chart on rollover or in the last column of the table. And visit this table to see approximate margins of error for a group of a given size. Readers should always bear in mind the approximate margin of error for the group they are examining when making comparisons with other groups or assessing the significance of trends over time. For full question wording, see the survey questionnaire.

Views about homosexuality among nothing in particulars by importance of religion

% of nothing in particulars who say homosexuality…

Importance of religion in one's lifeShould be acceptedShould be discouragedNeither/both equallyDon't knowSample size
Very important56%35%4%5%753
Somewhat important80%13%4%3%1,262
Not too important84%12%2%2%1,354
Not at all important84%10%3%2%1,557
Sample sizes and margins of error vary from subgroup to subgroup, from year to year and from state to state. You can see the sample size for the estimates in this chart on rollover or in the last column of the table. And visit this table to see approximate margins of error for a group of a given size. Readers should always bear in mind the approximate margin of error for the group they are examining when making comparisons with other groups or assessing the significance of trends over time. For full question wording, see the survey questionnaire.

Views about same-sex marriage among nothing in particulars by importance of religion

% of nothing in particulars who …same-sex marriage

Importance of religion in one's lifeStrongly favor/favorOppose/strongly opposeDon't knowSample size
Very important46%43%11%753
Somewhat important70%22%8%1,262
Not too important80%15%5%1,354
Not at all important81%12%6%1,557
Sample sizes and margins of error vary from subgroup to subgroup, from year to year and from state to state. You can see the sample size for the estimates in this chart on rollover or in the last column of the table. And visit this table to see approximate margins of error for a group of a given size. Readers should always bear in mind the approximate margin of error for the group they are examining when making comparisons with other groups or assessing the significance of trends over time. For full question wording, see the survey questionnaire.

Views about environmental regulation among nothing in particulars by importance of religion

% of nothing in particulars who say…

Importance of religion in one's lifeStricter environmental laws and regulations cost too many jobs and hurt the economyStricter environmental laws and regulations are worth the costNeither/both equallyDon't knowSample size
Very important38%53%3%6%753
Somewhat important34%60%3%3%1,262
Not too important30%67%2%2%1,354
Not at all important24%72%2%2%1,557
Sample sizes and margins of error vary from subgroup to subgroup, from year to year and from state to state. You can see the sample size for the estimates in this chart on rollover or in the last column of the table. And visit this table to see approximate margins of error for a group of a given size. Readers should always bear in mind the approximate margin of error for the group they are examining when making comparisons with other groups or assessing the significance of trends over time. For full question wording, see the survey questionnaire.

Views about human evolution among nothing in particulars by importance of religion

% of nothing in particulars who say humans…

Importance of religion in one's lifeEvolved; due to natural processesEvolved; due to God's designEvolved; don't know howAlways existed in present formDon't knowSample size
Very important20%30%5%40%5%753
Somewhat important42%24%6%25%3%1,262
Not too important66%14%5%13%3%1,354
Not at all important72%11%4%11%3%1,557
Sample sizes and margins of error vary from subgroup to subgroup, from year to year and from state to state. You can see the sample size for the estimates in this chart on rollover or in the last column of the table. And visit this table to see approximate margins of error for a group of a given size. Readers should always bear in mind the approximate margin of error for the group they are examining when making comparisons with other groups or assessing the significance of trends over time. For full question wording, see the survey questionnaire.